Animals feel stress and anxiety just as people do, and this is often the reason that they act out with negative behaviors. In particular, canine separation anxiety can be extremely stressful for dogs and cause them to become very destructive when their owner or family is away from home, even for a short period of time.
A variety of methods have been tried with some success to help owners of dogs who experience separation anxiety to calm their dogs while they are away. One method now gaining popularity is playing calming music, especially that which includes piano and harp.
Just Like Humans, Animals Are Also Influenced By Music
Even in the 1600s, humans realized that “music has charms to soothe a savage beast,” as the often-quoted saying goes. Just as animals feel emotions like stress and anxiety, they also respond to different types of music in their environment. Studies have shown that relaxing and calming music can affect both people and animals in positive ways, calming them and decreasing their levels of stress.
See It for Yourself
One common experience that many pet owners have is that their pets get riled up when they play loud rock music. Cats tend to run off the excess energy, while dogs may become more destructive or agitated. People playing relaxing, soft piano or harp music or a new age style of music, often find their animals becoming more calm and tranquil as a result of the sounds in their environment.
Using Music to Ease Canine Separation Anxiety
One of the best benefits of music therapy for your dog is that it can be used in combination with other therapies and methods of relieving stress. You can play it anytime, and because humans also benefit from listening to this type of music, you can put it on and listen to it along with your dog in addition to playing it while you are away. This can be an excellent way to bond with your animal and also to avoid conditioning him or her to associate the music with your absence.